NICOLAS Anelka has refused the option to rest and will lead the line looking to show Liverpool exactly what they missed out on when they decided not to pursue their interest in the striker.

NICOLAS Anelka has refused the option to rest and will lead the line looking to show Liverpool exactly what they missed out on when they decided not to pursue their interest in the striker.

Gerard Houllierés loss has been very much Manchester Cityés gain as the French forward has hit 10 Premiership goals for the Blues, while Liverpoolés forwards have struggled to hit any form during a 10 game winless streak.

During that spell, which has all-but ended the Anfielders title hopes for another season, only Milan Baros of their strikers has found the net. With Michael Owen out of form, the pressure has fallen on El Hadj Diouf and Emile Heskey, but they have been unable to respond and have just three Premiership goals between them.

Slump

But despite Liverpoolés slump and Cityés own fine form over the festive period, Kevin Keegan will not be taking Sundayés cup game lightly against the club where he is still idolised.

With Steven Gerrard, Danny Murphy and Owen all set to return, they remain dangerous opposition and are sure to come out of their slump sooner rather than later. Indeed, Houllier still has the bulk of a squad that won a treble only two seasons ago to chose from, so there quality is not in doubt.

However if they do have a weakness it is a lack of creativity in midfield and that is one area where Keegan appears to hold all the aces. Ali Benarbiaés sudden return to form has been as surprising as it has been welcome, while if Eyal Berkocvic can shake off his injury worries he will be sure to trouble the massed ranks of Liverpoolés defensive unit.

With new loan signing Djamel Belmadi and Shaun Wright-Phillips also providing options, there should be plenty of support for Anelka, who could be paired with either Darren Huckerby, Goater or Wright-Phillips.

Key facts:

Liverpool havenét won in 10 league games

But Liverpool broke Cityés 12 month unbeaten home record earlier this season with a 3-0 triumph.

That day was also a personal highlight for Michael Owen, who hit all three.

City have scored in each of their last eight matches.

And they are unbeaten in their last three.

Man City are just three points behind Liverpool in the Premiership table.

Key clash: Nicolas Anelka v Michael Owen

Two of the best forwards in the Premiership will go head top head on Sunday.

But they are enjoying vastly different runs at the moment, with Owen seemingly short on confidence, while 10 goal Anelka has been playing like a man possessed.

City, though, should be wary of a subdued Owen. Last time they obliged the visitors by playing him back into form and the Engalnd forward will be hoping for similar charity on Sunday.

Anelka will also have plenty to prove. Liverpool decided not to make a move for him, instead snapping up El Hadj Diouf. That move now looks a mistake and Anelka will hope to ram the point home to Mr. Houllier.